Polyflow

Gathering/Flow Lines

Description
PolyFlow has developed a line of gathering and flow lines designed for higher pressure applications than polyethylene tubing and resistant to hydrocarbons, CO2, H2S, paraffin and scale adhesion. In addition, the continuous spooled lengths provides for extremely rapid low cost installation. The low coefficient of friction allows for smaller diameters versus steel for the same pressure drop allowing for additional tubing and installation cost savings. Case studies have shown a savings of $3-6 per foot vs. steel.

Benefits
The benefits of Thermoflex® Gathering and Flow Lines include:

• Corrosion Resistance
• Rapid Low Cost Installation
• No Paraffin or Scale Adhesion
• Eliminates Corrosion Inhibitors and Cathodic Protection
• Reduced Pressure drop vs. Equivalent Sized Steel

Specifications
Thermoflex® Gathering and Flow Lines come in diameters from 1" OD to 4.5" OD with operating pressure ratings ranging from 250PSI to 2,500PSI (Size Chart). Other pressure ratings are available upon request. The tubing is constructed from either a nylon or Polyphenylene Sulfide depending on the type of transported fluid or gas. Aramid fibers are braided for strength, and a polypropylene or nylon jacket protects the braid from abrasion. The type of polymer construction allows for tubing with max temperature ratings of 150°F (65°C), 180°F (82°C) and 250°F (121°C). Tubing can be mixed in a line to accommodate changes in the operating environment. For example: High temperature tubing can be used at the exit of a compressor and lower temperature tubing utilized further down the line after cooling of the flow stream occurs. One significant difference between Thermoflex® Gathering and Flow Lines and other technologies is the strength coming solely from the braiding. The wall thickness of the tubing does not necessarily change with changes in pressure rating and wall thickness is not a consideration in design strength.

The product comes in continuous lengths and is supplied on spools. Termination couplings are required to join lengths together and to terminate the line. These are hydraulically swaged couplings that "bite" and hold the braid ends in place. Couplings can be furnished with threaded end, a weld style end or a flanged end. The customer may also choose between zinc chromate plated carbon steel couplings for sweet environments or duplex stainless steel couplings for more severe applications.

Evaluating a Project
PolyFlow provides a design service to model gathering and flow line applications to determine pressure drops for given lengths, elevation changes, flow rates etc. A questionnaire is available that can be sent to PolyFlow for analysis and graphs of pressure drop versus flow rate are generated for the lines. The customer can then choose between the options, which best fits their needs.

Installation can be performed by your local contractor but requires on site training by a PolyFlow representative. This can be performed ahead of time or during an installation. Installation is straight forward but certain guidelines spelled out in the Installation Guide. Some of the installation benefits Thermoflex® Gathering and Flow Lines are:

• No Special Backfill or Bedding (Outer Jacket is for Abrasion Resistance)
• Pipe can be Pulled from a Fixed location
• Extremely Light Weight (90% Lighter than Steel)
• Rapid Coupling Installation

PolyFlow distributes its tubing through local supply houses or you can contact a
PolyFlow representative for any questions that you may have. They would be glad to help with sizing options, training of installers, line up existing installers, etc.

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